Read the preface and main text of The Picture of Dorian Gray and respond to the writing prompts below. Format all responses on the same document and submit via Pilot. DUE DATE: Friday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m.

[1] One of the main themes in the novel concerns aestheticism (i.e., the belief that artistic values are more important than all other forms of social and political concerns). What character(s) embody aesthetic idelas? Does the novel ultimately celebrate aestheticism or is it a critique of aestheticism? Explain, citing specific details in defense of your argument. 250-500 words.

[2] How are women portrayed in the novel? Favorably or unfavorably? Explain, citing AT LEAST TWO examples in defense of your argument. 250-500 words.

Discussion

Oscar Wilde claims that books are neither moral nor immoral. At the time of its publication, The Picture of Dorian Gray was generally thought of as immoral. Why would it be considered immoral? Why would it be considered moral? In your response, use specific details to support your arguments, citing the text directly. 500 words. DUE DATE: Friday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.

Summaries

In your own words, summarize the following three articles from the supplementary material in the Norton Critical Edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray:

Each summary should be 250 words long and formatted as a single paragraph. As always, be sure that your writing is revised and polished. Submit all three summaries on the same document via Pilot. DUE DATE: Friday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.